Hansel and Gretel head into the forest in search of food—but they almost end up as tasty treats themselves when they start nibbling on the deliciously edible house of a very nasty witch!
Look for a happy ending and “larger-than-life puppets that steal the show in a fantasyland production that’s all sugar and spice.”—Los Angeles Times
With his vocal prowess and charisma, countertenor Kangmin Justin Kim “is an utter sensation” (Süddeutsche Zeitung); emerging star Elena Villalón has won scores of prestigious competitions; and Patricia Racette is one of today’s most riveting singing actresses who’ll eat up the stage as both the Mother and the Witch!
“A fantasy world that audiences will be happy to join.”—Los Angeles Times
Music Director Emmanuel Villaume conducts this production from LA Opera.
$25 tickets for children ages 6-17! (excludes Box seats)
Read the Program Book!
Hansel and Gretel is a Production of Los Angeles Opera. Production, Set Design, and Costumes by Douglas Fitch.
Show Details
Language
Sung in English with English Titles
Running Time
The performance will be approximately 2 hours and 10 minutes including one intermission.
Rating
Rated G
Cast
Kangmin Justin Kim
HanselElena Villalón
GretelPatricia Racette
The Witch and MotherMark Delavan
FatherLindsay Metzger
SandmanGabrielle Gilliam
Dew FairyKayleigh Eidson
Solo DancerSilken Kelly
Solo DancerJ. Alexander Langley
Solo DancerKeon K. Nickie
Solo DancerCreative Team
Emmanuel Villaume
ConductorDoug Fitch
Director, Set and Costume DesignerDuane Schuler
Original Lighting DesignerEric Watkins
Revival Lighting DesignerAustin Spangler
Choreographer and Dance CaptainKimberley Ahrens
Artistic Director, Greater Dallas Choral SocietyDavid Zimmerman
Wig and Make-Up DesignerSynopsis
ACT ONE
Hansel and Gretel are at home, working to earn some money for their poor family: Hansel makes brooms and Gretel is mending things. The children are hungry and distracted, especially Hansel. Gretel tells her brother that their mother has hinted that she expects to sell enough brooms to buy food. With the prospect of something for supper, both children are more animated.
Their mother Gertrude returns, angry at how little they have done while she was gone. Unable to conceal her irritation, she knocks the pitcher of milk onto the floor, and dinner is lost. Despondent, she sends the children into the forest to find something to eat. Their father Peter returns from a successful day selling brooms, with baskets full of food. When Peter notices that the children aren’t there, Gertrude explains that she sent them into the forest. Frightened, Peter tells his wife that he heard the townspeople speak of a witch living in the woods, who turns children into gingerbread by burning them alive in her oven. Both parents rush into the forest to search for the children.
Hansel and Gretel gather mushrooms and berries in the forest. Unable to resist playing, however, Hansel falls on their baskets, destroying them and crushing their food. As night falls, the forest becomes scarier, and the children realize that they are lost. Every noise and shadow frightens the children. The Sandman appears, dusting their eyes with sand, causing them to grow tired. The children say their evening prayers and fall asleep together beneath the trees.
ACT TWO
An orchestral interlude introduces a new day. The Dew Fairy arrives to awaken Hansel and Gretel. The children are groggy at first, but delight overcomes them when they discover a gingerbread house decorated with every sort of candy imaginable. As they nibble at bits of the house, the Witch approaches, first inviting them inside gently. When the children refuse, the Witch uses her black magic to keep them there. It becomes frighteningly clear to the children that they are on the evening’s menu. The Witch feeds Hansel, casting a spell that causes him to grow until he is plump enough to roast. While the Witch flies around the house excitedly on her broomstick, Gretel uses one of the Witch’s spells to enable Hansel to move. When the Witch orders Gretel to follow Hansel into the oven, the girl pretends not to know how and asks the Witch to show her. Leaning into the oven, the Witch falls for the children’s trap: they shove her inside. All of the Witch’s spells are broken, and the children who had been baked to make the gingerbread house return to life. Hansel and Gretel’s courage and bravery are celebrated by the other children. Peter and Gertrude come upon the scene and are happily reunited with Hansel and Gretel. Everybody celebrates the children’s triumph.
Courtesy of LA Opera
Pre- and Post-Opera Discussions
Join us for these engaging and informative pre- and post-opera discussions:
Joy and Ronald Mankoff Pre-Opera Talk: Hosted by Music Director Emmanuel Villaume, this interactive 30-minute lecture begins one hour before the start of each opera in the Margaret McDermott Performance Hall. Admission is free with your ticket to a Dallas Opera performance.
Sunday Post-Opera Talkback: Immediately following the Sunday matinee performance from the stage, this brief and casual Q&A session with members of the cast gives you an opportunity to ask questions about the performance. Hosted by Kristian Roberts, Director of Education at The Dallas Opera. Participating cast members: Patricia Racette, Elena Villalón. Kangmin Justin Kim, Mark Delavan, and Lindsay Metzger.
Media
Hansel and Gretel Trailer
A “Fairy Tale Opera” for all ages! Hansel and Gretel head into the forest in search of food—but they almost end up as tasty treats themselves when they start nibbling on the deliciously edible house of a very nasty witch!
Meet Hansel & Gretel
You’re Invited! Hansel and Gretel are expecting you at the Winspear—don’t disappoint this brother and sister duo.
Building the Set
Featured Creatures & Flying Witch
Spotify Playlist
Click here to listen to our Spotify Playlist.
Read the Program Book! Text “TDO” to 55741 and access Rigoletto‘s digital program book. Read the synopsis, cast details, and learn more about the production.
Sponsors
Mary Anne Cree, in memory of Rosine Smith Sammons
2022/2023 Season Sponsor